KKN Gurugram Desk | Bollywood fans are in for a treat as one of the most loved romantic dramas of the early 2000s, Dhadkan, is set to make a grand return to theatres. Originally released in 2000, the film featured a powerful cast including Akshay Kumar, Shilpa Shetty, and Suniel Shetty, and quickly became a box office success.

The film will be re-released on May 23, 2025, across select cinemas in India, giving audiences a chance to relive the magic of this timeless love story on the big screen.

A Look Back: The Legacy of Dhadkan

Directed by Dharmesh Darshan and produced by Ratan Jain, Dhadkan struck a chord with audiences when it released 25 years ago. The film became a cult romantic classic thanks to its emotional depth, gripping performances, melodious soundtrack, and an intense love triangle plot.

Along with the lead trio, the film also starred Mahima Chaudhry, Sharmila Tagore, Parmeet Sethi, Kiran Kumar, Sushma Seth, and Manjeet Kullar in supporting roles, each adding layers to the story’s complexity.

The film’s emotional range—moving from passionate love to heartbreak and eventual healing—made it an unforgettable cinematic experience for audiences across generations.

Plot Recap: The Love Triangle That Left a Mark

Dhadkan tells the story of Anjali (Shilpa Shetty), a young woman in love with Dev (Suniel Shetty), a man her family disapproves of due to his lower economic status and aggressive demeanor. Forced by her father’s will, Anjali marries Ram (Akshay Kumar)—a kind, respectful, and mature businessman.

Over time, Anjali grows to respect and eventually love Ram, finding in him the emotional support she lacked with Dev. But years later, Dev reappears as a wealthy and powerful man, bent on reclaiming Anjali and avenging his past humiliation.

The film explores themes of love, heartbreak, betrayal, maturity, and forgiveness—making it emotionally resonant and culturally relevant even two decades later.

Re-Release Excitement: Fans Flood Social Media

Following the announcement of the re-release, fans expressed their nostalgia and excitement across social media platforms.

Here’s what some users had to say:

• “Watching Dev, Anjali, and Ram’s story again on the big screen will be a surreal experience.”

• “The soundtrack alone is worth going to the theatre for. Absolute masterpiece!”

• “Finally, a reason to go back to the cinema with my parents. Dhadkan was their favorite movie when they were dating!”

Hashtags like #DhadkanReturns, #AkshayKumarClassic, and #BollywoodRomance started trending within hours of the re-release announcement.

The Soundtrack: Melodies That Still Resonate

No article about Dhadkan is complete without a mention of its legendary music. Composed by Nadeem–Shravan, the film’s soundtrack became an instant hit and remains one of the best-selling Bollywood albums of all time.

Popular tracks include:

• “Tum Dil Ki Dhadkan Mein”

• “Dil Ne Yeh Kaha Hai Dil Se”

• “Na Na Karte”

• “Dulhe Ka Sehra”

These songs continue to be played at weddings, romantic playlists, and even reality singing shows, proving their timeless appeal.

Star Performances: Defining Roles for the Lead Trio

 Akshay Kumar as Ram

In one of his early emotionally layered roles, Akshay played Ram with incredible restraint and depth. His portrayal of the mature, understanding husband offered a stark contrast to his then-established action-hero image and won him critical acclaim.

 Shilpa Shetty as Anjali

Shilpa delivered what is arguably one of the strongest performances of her career in Dhadkan. She captured the inner turmoil of a woman torn between two different forms of love—one wild and passionate, the other steady and secure.

 Suniel Shetty as Dev

Suniel Shetty’s transformation from a poor lover to a rich, vengeful businessman gave the film its dramatic intensity. His performance was so impactful that he even won the Filmfare Award for Best Villain for this role.

Why Is Dhadkan Being Re-Released in 2025?

The trend of re-releasing iconic Bollywood films has picked up pace in recent years, with classics like Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, and Gadar making successful comebacks.

Film analyst Komal Nahta explains:

“Re-releases cater to both nostalgia and the new generation. It bridges the cinematic gap and keeps the legacy of Bollywood storytelling alive.”

With Dhadkan, the makers aim to:

• Introduce the film to younger audiences who missed its theatrical run

• Celebrate the 25th anniversary of a film that changed the romantic narrative of its time

• Tap into multiplex nostalgia screenings, which are drawing strong footfalls

Impact and Cultural Significance

Beyond box office numbers, Dhadkan influenced how romantic conflict and emotional maturity were portrayed in Hindi cinema. The film emphasized the idea that true love is not just passion—but also respect, stability, and sacrifice.

It became part of pop culture, with several dialogues and musical cues referenced in shows, memes, and even college debates on love and relationships.

Where to Watch: Screening Details

Dhadkan will be released across select theatres in metro cities and tier-2 towns starting May 23, 2025. The film is expected to run for a limited one-week engagement, depending on audience response.

Advance bookings are likely to begin a week before the release, and some theatre chains may offer nostalgia packages, including retro posters, film-themed refreshments, and behind-the-scenes footage.

Re-Release Trends in Bollywood: A Growing Strategy

Re-releasing old hits isn’t just about emotion—it’s also smart business.

According to trade reports:

• Re-releases often have lower marketing costs

• They attract family audiences, especially those looking to relive memories

• They help OTT platforms gain traction when bundled with special offers

The move to re-release Dhadkan aligns with this new strategy of reviving legacy films for theatrical impact.

Whether you’re watching it for the first time or the tenth, Dhadkan is more than just a love story—it’s an emotional experience. With its powerful performances, melodious music, and unforgettable dialogues, the film returns to remind us of a time when Bollywood romance was all about feelings, not formulas.